Cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A technical idea of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a base frame, a top frame over the base frame, and a cell assembly provided between the base frame and the top frame in the vertical direction, wherein the cell assembly comprises: a cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; a side insulation cover connected to a first side of the cell block and having a first recess formed in an inner surface facing a first battery cell, which is one of the plurality of battery cells; a temperature sensor inserted in the first recess of the side insulation cover and configured to sense the temperature at a vertically central portion of the first battery cell; a first integrated circuit assembly connected to a second side of the cell block and comprising a first integrated circuit; and a connection board comprising a first signal transmission line electrically connecting the temperature sensor and the first integrated circuit.

Description

Cell assembly and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell assembly and a battery pack comprising the same. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0194493, filed on December 23, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. When configuring a battery pack using multiple battery cells, an appropriate number of cells are connected in series or parallel to output the desired voltage. To improve the reliability of the battery pack, the temperature and voltage of the battery cells are monitored during operation.

[0003] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a cell assembly and a battery pack including the same.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a base frame; a top frame on the base frame; and a cell assembly provided between the base frame and the top frame in a vertical direction; wherein the cell assembly comprises: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a side insulating cover connected to a first side of the cell block and having a first groove formed on an inner surface facing a first battery cell which is one of the plurality of battery cells; a temperature sensor inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover and configured to detect the temperature of the center of the first battery cell in the vertical direction; a first integrated circuit assembly connected to a second side of the cell block and including a first integrated circuit; and a connecting board including a first signal transmission line electrically connecting the temperature sensor and the first integrated circuit.

[0005] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a pad inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover, wherein the pad supports the first portion of the connecting substrate such that the first portion of the connecting substrate equipped with the temperature sensor is in close contact with the first battery cell.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensor is characterized by being connected to the end of the first battery cell to which the electrode lead is connected.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first horizontal direction, and each of the plurality of battery cells extends in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, the first battery cell is located at the outermost end of the plurality of battery cells in the first horizontal direction, the first battery cell includes an electrode lead provided at an end along the second horizontal direction, and the temperature sensor is connected to the end of the first battery cell along the second horizontal direction.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a second integrated circuit assembly including a second integrated circuit connected to a third side of the cell block and configured to measure the voltage of the plurality of battery cells.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the connection substrate further comprises a second signal transmission line that electrically connects the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the connection substrate is characterized by further including a flexible base substrate having the first signal transmission line and the second signal transmission line.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the first side and the third side of the cell block are opposite to each other.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the connecting substrate is characterized by being attached to the side insulating cover.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the invention is characterized by further including a heat transfer structure connected to the plurality of battery cells and the top frame, and configured to thermally bond the plurality of battery cells to the top frame.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, it is characterized by further comprising: a lower thermally conductive adhesive layer provided between each of the plurality of battery cells and the base frame; and an upper thermally conductive adhesive layer provided between the heat transfer structure and the top frame.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the heat transfer structure comprises a plurality of heat transfer pins, and each of the plurality of heat transfer pins is connected to a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame is characterized by including a base cooling channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow, and the top frame is characterized by including an upper cooling channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow.

[0017] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a cell assembly comprising: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a side insulating cover connected to a first side of the cell block and having a first groove formed on an inner surface facing a first battery cell, which is one of the plurality of battery cells; a temperature sensor inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover and configured to detect the temperature of a center along the vertical direction of the first battery cell; a first integrated circuit assembly connected to a second side of the cell block and including a first integrated circuit; and a connecting board including a first signal transmission line electrically connecting the temperature sensor and the first integrated circuit.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a pad that is inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover and supports the first portion of the connecting substrate so that the first portion of the connecting substrate, on which the temperature sensor is mounted, is in close contact with the first battery cell; and a second integrated circuit assembly comprising a second integrated circuit configured to measure the voltage of the plurality of battery cells, connected to the third side of the cell block opposite to the first side of the cell block, wherein the connecting substrate further comprises a second signal transmission line that electrically connects the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit.

[0019] According to the battery pack according to exemplary embodiments, dual cooling for the cell assembly is realized using a bottom cooling structure and a top cooling structure, and since the temperature at the point where the maximum temperature of the battery cell appears can be sensed using a temperature sensor, the reliability of the temperature sensing and the reliability of the cell temperature control performed based on the temperature sensing result can be improved.

[0020] According to a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments, in a cell assembly, a temperature signal generated by a temperature sensor and a voltage signal generated by a voltage sensing circuit located on the rear side of the cell assembly can be transmitted to a cell monitoring circuit located on the front side of the cell assembly through the same connection board. Compared to the case where the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and the voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit are transmitted through separate electrical connection members, since the temperature signal and the voltage signal are transmitted through a single connection board, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly process of the battery pack can be simplified.

[0021] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a front view of a cell assembly with a portion of the cell assembly removed according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a front view of a cell assembly with a portion of the cell assembly removed according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a cell assembly with a portion of the cell assembly removed according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a side view of a cell assembly with a portion of the cell assembly removed according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a part of a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an exemplary arrangement of a temperature sensor and a pad in a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary arrangement of a temperature sensor and a pad in a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a side insulating cover of a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a connecting substrate according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0036] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0037] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0038]

[0039] (1st embodiment)

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a front view of a cell assembly (100) with a portion of the cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments removed. FIG. 3 is a front view of a cell assembly (100) with a portion of the cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments removed. FIG. 4 is a rear view of a cell assembly (100) with a portion of the cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments removed. FIG. 5 is a side view of a cell assembly (100) with a portion of the cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments removed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a portion of a cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the cell assembly (100) may include a cell block (110), a heat transfer structure (120), a first integrated circuit assembly (130), a second integrated circuit assembly (140), side insulating covers (150), side beams (160), and a connecting substrate (170).

[0042] A cell block (110) may include a plurality of battery cells (111). Each individual battery cell (111) is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each individual battery cell (111) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly embedded in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them, which are stacked sequentially. The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0043] The individual battery cells (111) may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (111) provided in a cell assembly (100) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and individual battery cells (111) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). Individual battery cells (111) may include electrode leads (112). The electrode leads (112) of individual battery cells (111) may include a positive lead provided at one end of the individual battery cell (111) and a negative lead provided at the other end of the individual battery cell (111). The end of the battery cell (111) refers to an outer portion along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (111) and may include the electrode lead (112) and a portion of the battery cell (111) adjacent thereto.

[0045] A plurality of battery cells (111) provided in a cell assembly (100) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in parallel with each other. A plurality of battery cells (111) may form a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks may include one or more battery cells (111). A plurality of banks may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) within a cell block (110). One or more battery cells (111) provided in each of the plurality of banks may be connected in parallel with each other. A plurality of banks may be connected in series with each other. The negative leads of one or more battery cells (111) in each of the plurality of banks may be connected to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (111) in a subsequent bank. The negative leads of one or more battery cells (111) of each of the multiple banks can be welded to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (111) of a subsequent bank. The positive leads of one or more battery cells (111) of each of the multiple banks can be connected to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (111) of a preceding bank. The positive leads of one or more battery cells (111) of each of the multiple banks can be welded to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (111) of a preceding bank. The number of series-connected banks and the number of battery cells (111) included in each bank can be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage and current to be output from the cell assembly (100).

[0046] A cell block (110) may include a first side and a second side opposite in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), a front and a rear opposite in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and a bottom surface and a top surface opposite in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The front surface of the cell block (110) may include the front surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (111), and the rear surface of the cell block (110) may include the rear surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (111). The bottom surface of the cell block (110) may include the bottom surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (111), and the top surface of the cell block (110) may include the top surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (111). In the present disclosure, the front surface, rear surface, first side, and second side of the cell block (110) may refer to different sides of the cell block (110).

[0047] The heat transfer structure (120) may be thermally and physically coupled to the cell block (110). The heat transfer structure (120) may be configured to thermally couple the cell block (110) to a cooling structure provided outside the cell assembly (100) to transfer heat from the battery cells (111) to the cooling structure. The heat transfer structure (120) may include a material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper, silver, gold, aluminum, tungsten, or a combination thereof.

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, the heat transfer structure (120) may include a plurality of heat transfer fins (121). Each of the plurality of heat transfer fins (121) may be attached to a corresponding battery cell (111) among a plurality of battery cells (111). The plurality of heat transfer fins (121) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and each individual heat transfer fin (121) may extend along a corresponding battery cell (111) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). Each individual heat transfer fin (121) may include a side plate (1211 in FIG. 11) that makes surface contact with one side of the corresponding battery cell (111), and a top plate (1213 in FIG. 11) that covers the corresponding battery cell (111). The top plates (1213) of adjacent heat transfer fins (121) can be connected in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). Each of the heat transfer fins (121) can be positioned between two corresponding battery cells (111) among the plurality of battery cells (111) and can be attached to at least one of the two corresponding battery cells (111) among the plurality of battery cells (111).

[0049] The first integrated circuit assembly (130) may be positioned on the front side of the cell block (110), and the second integrated circuit assembly (140) may be positioned on the rear side of the cell block (110). The first integrated circuit assembly (130) and the second integrated circuit assembly (140) may be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) with the cell block (110) in between.

[0050] The first integrated circuit assembly (130) may include a first inner frame (131), a first outer frame (132), a front cover (133), busbars (134), a first integrated circuit (135), and a second integrated circuit (136).

[0051] The first inner frame (131) can cover the front of the cell block (110). The first inner frame (131) can support electrode leads (112) of a plurality of battery cells (111) located on the front side of the cell block (110) and may include slits into which the electrode leads (112) of the plurality of battery cells (111) located on the front side of the cell block (110) are inserted. The electrode leads (112) provided at the front end of each individual battery cell (111) may be inserted into corresponding slits among the slits of the first inner frame (131). The first outer frame (132) may be coupled to the first inner frame (131) to cover the first inner frame (131). The first inner frame (131) may be located between the first outer frame (132) and the cell block (110). The front cover (133) may be coupled to the first outer frame (132) to cover at least a portion of the first outer frame (132). The first inner frame (131), the first outer frame (132), and the front cover (133) may be formed of an insulating material.

[0052] Bus bars (134) may be mounted on the first inner frame (131). Each of the bus bars (134) may be a terminal bus bar configured to output a resulting voltage provided from the cell block (110). Any one of the bus bars (134) may be connected to an electrode lead (112) of one or more battery cells (111) belonging to the first bank of the cell block (110), and another of the bus bars (134) may be connected to an electrode lead (112) of one or more battery cells (111) belonging to the last bank of the cell block (110). One of the busbars (134) can be welded to the electrode lead (112) of one or more battery cells (111) belonging to the first bank of the cell block (110), and the other of the busbars (134) can be welded to the electrode lead (112) of one or more battery cells (111) belonging to the last bank of the cell block (110).

[0053] The first integrated circuit (135) may be mounted on the first outer frame (132). The first integrated circuit (135) may include a circuit board and components mounted on the circuit board. For example, the first integrated circuit (135) may include a cell supervision circuit (CSC) configured to process voltage signals and / or temperature signals for individual battery cells (111). The cell supervision circuit may be configured to communicate with a battery management system (BMS) provided in the battery pack (see 500 in FIG. 10).

[0054] The second integrated circuit (136) may be mounted on the first inner frame (131). The second integrated circuit (136) may include a circuit board and components mounted on the circuit board. The second integrated circuit (136) may include a voltage sensing circuit configured to detect the voltages of a plurality of battery cells (111). In the cell block (110), electrode leads (112) that are coupled to each other among the electrode leads (112) of the battery cells (111) may form nodes within the cell assembly (100). For example, the positive lead of a battery cell (111) belonging to one bank and the negative lead of a battery cell (111) belonging to another bank may form nodes within the cell assembly (100). The voltage sensing circuit of the second integrated circuit (136) may be electrically connected to the nodes through wiring and may measure the voltage of the nodes. The voltage sensing circuit of the second integrated circuit (136) can generate a voltage signal for measuring the voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (111) or the voltage of each of the plurality of banks. The second integrated circuit (136) can be electrically connected to the first integrated circuit (135) through an electrical connection member (192). The voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit of the second integrated circuit (136) can be transmitted to the first integrated circuit (135) through the electrical connection member (192).

[0055] The second integrated circuit assembly (140) may include a second inner frame (141), a second outer frame (142), a rear cover (143), and a third integrated circuit (145).

[0056] The second inner frame (141) can cover the rear side of the cell block (110). The second inner frame (141) can support electrode leads (112) of a plurality of battery cells (111) located on the rear side of the cell block (110) and may include slits into which the electrode leads (112) of the plurality of battery cells (111) located on the rear side of the cell block (110) are inserted. The electrode leads (112) provided at the rear end of each individual battery cell (111) can be inserted into corresponding slits among the slits of the second inner frame (141). The second outer frame (142) can be coupled to the second inner frame (141) to cover the second inner frame (141). The second inner frame (141) may be located between the second outer frame (142) and the cell block (110). The rear cover (143) may be attached to the second outer frame (142) to cover at least a portion of the second outer frame (142). The second inner frame (141), the second outer frame (142), and the rear cover (143) may be formed of an insulating material.

[0057] The third integrated circuit (145) may be mounted on the second inner frame (141). The third integrated circuit (145) may include a circuit board and components mounted on the circuit board. The third integrated circuit (145) may include a voltage sensing circuit configured to detect the voltages of a plurality of battery cells (111). In the cell block (110), electrode leads (112) of the battery cells (111) that are coupled to each other may form nodes within the cell assembly (100). The voltage sensing circuit of the third integrated circuit (145) may be electrically connected to the nodes through wiring and may measure the voltage of the nodes. The voltage sensing circuit of the third integrated circuit (145) may generate a voltage signal for measuring the voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (111) or the voltage of each of the plurality of banks. The third integrated circuit (145) can be electrically connected to the first integrated circuit (135) through a connection board (170). A voltage signal generated in the voltage sensing circuit of the third integrated circuit (145) can be transmitted to the first integrated circuit (135) through the connection board (170).

[0058] The cell monitoring circuit of the first integrated circuit (135) may be configured to receive a voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit of the second integrated circuit (136) and a voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit of the third integrated circuit (145). The cell monitoring circuit of the first integrated circuit (135) may be configured to detect the voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (111) based on the voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit of the second integrated circuit (136) and the voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit of the third integrated circuit (145), and to monitor and balance the voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (111).

[0059] Side insulation covers (150) may be spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) with the cell block (110) in between. One of the side insulation covers (150) may be connected to a first side of the cell block (110) and may cover the first side of the cell block (110). Another of the side insulation covers (150) may be connected to a second side of the cell block (110) and may cover the second side of the cell block (110). The side insulation covers (150) may be formed of an insulating material.

[0060] The side insulation covers (150) may include a heat-resistant material, a fire-resistant material, or a combination thereof. Each insulation cover (150) can electrically and thermally insulate the cell block (110) and the side beam (160). Compared to the case where an electrical insulation member for electrical insulation and an insulating member for thermal insulation are placed between the cell block (110) and the side beam (160), electrical and thermal insulation between the cell block (110) and the side beam (160) can be achieved with a single side insulation cover (150), thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process of the cell assembly (100).

[0061] Side beams (160) may be spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) with the cell block (110) and side insulation covers (150) in between. One of the side beams (160) may be connected to a side insulation cover (150) covering a first side of the cell block (110) and may cover the side insulation cover (150) covering the first side of the cell block (110). Another of the side beams (160) may be connected to a side insulation cover (150) covering a second side of the cell block (110) and may cover the side insulation cover (150) covering the second side of the cell block (110). The side beams (160) may be formed of an insulating material. Each of the side beams (160) may include fastening holes into which a fastening member, such as a bolt, is inserted. When the cell assembly (100) is mounted on the pack housing (501 of FIG. 11) of the battery pack (500 of FIG. 11), individual side beams (160) can be seated on the cross beam (550 of FIG. 11) of the pack housing (501), and individual side beams (160) can be fastened to the cross beam (550) of the pack housing (501) by means of a fastening member.

[0062] The connection board (170) may extend between the first integrated circuit assembly (130) and the second integrated circuit assembly (140) and may provide an electrical connection path for electrically connecting the first integrated circuit (135) of the first integrated circuit assembly (130) and the third integrated circuit (145) of the second integrated circuit assembly (140). The connection board (170) may be attached to a corresponding side insulation cover (150) among a plurality of side insulation covers (150), and a portion of the connection board (170) may extend along the corresponding side insulation cover (150). For example, the connection board (170) may be attached to the side insulation cover (150) by an adhesive member such as double-sided tape. The connection board (170) may be electrically and physically connected to the first integrated circuit (135) through a connector (191). The connection board (170) may include a first signal transmission line (173 in FIG. 10) that electrically connects the first integrated circuit (135) of the first integrated circuit assembly (130) and the third integrated circuit (145) of the second integrated circuit assembly (140). Voltage signals for voltages of a plurality of battery cells (111) generated in the third integrated circuit (145) may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit (135) through the first signal transmission line (173) of the connection board (170).

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly (100) may include a plurality of connecting boards (170) extending between the first integrated circuit assembly (130) and the second integrated circuit assembly (140). One of the plurality of connecting boards (170) may be attached to one of the plurality of side insulating covers (150), and another of the plurality of connecting boards (170) may be attached to another of the plurality of side insulating covers (150).

[0064] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an exemplary arrangement of a temperature sensor (181) and a pad (183) in a cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary arrangement of a temperature sensor (181) and a pad (183) in a cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a side insulating cover (150) of a cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, the cell assembly (100) may include a temperature sensor (181) and a pad (183).

[0066] A temperature sensor (181) may be configured to detect the temperature of a corresponding battery cell (111) among a plurality of battery cells (111) and to generate a temperature signal for measuring the temperature of the battery cell (111). For example, the temperature sensor (181) may include a thermistor. A cell monitoring circuit of the first integrated circuit (135) may be configured to receive a temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor (181). A cell monitoring circuit of the first integrated circuit (135) may be configured to detect and monitor the temperature of at least one battery cell (111) based on the temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor (181).

[0067] The temperature sensor (181) may be configured to detect the temperature at the point where the maximum temperature of the battery cell (111) is indicated during the operation of the battery cell (111). During the operation of the battery cell (111), the temperature of the battery cell (111) may be relatively high at one end of the battery cell (111) to which the electrode lead (112) is connected, and the temperature sensor (181) may be in direct or indirect contact with one end of the battery cell (111) to which the electrode lead (112) is connected to detect the temperature of one end of the battery cell (111).

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, a temperature sensor (181) may be configured to contact a center along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111) within one end of the battery cell (111) and to detect the temperature of the center along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111). The center along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111) may refer to an area within a first distance in the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) from the center along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111), which includes the center along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111), and said first distance may be about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% of the total length along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111).

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly (100) may be configured to be cooled by a cooling structure placed below the cell assembly (100) and a cooling structure placed above the cell assembly (100). In this case, the maximum temperature of the battery cell (111) during operation may occur at the center along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111). The temperature sensor (181) can detect the temperature at the center along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (111), thereby improving the reliability of temperature sensing using the temperature sensor (181).

[0070] A temperature sensor (181) may be mounted on a connection board (170). The connection board (170) may further include a second signal transmission line (175) that electrically connects the temperature sensor (181) and the first integrated circuit (135). A temperature signal for a battery cell (111) generated by the temperature sensor (181) may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit (135) through the second signal transmission line (175 in FIG. 10) of the connection board (170).

[0071] In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly (100) may include a plurality of temperature sensors (181), and the plurality of temperature sensors (181) may detect the temperature of different battery cells (111). One of the plurality of temperature sensors (181) may be mounted on one of the plurality of connection boards (170), and another of the plurality of temperature sensors (181) may be mounted on another of the plurality of connection boards (170).

[0072] When the outermost battery cell (111) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) among a plurality of battery cells (111) is referred to as the first battery cell (111P), the temperature sensor (181) may be configured to detect the temperature of the first battery cell (111P) and generate a temperature signal for the temperature of the first battery cell (111P).

[0073] The side insulating cover (150) may include a groove (151) provided on an inner surface (152) facing the cell block (110). A temperature sensor (181) may be inserted into the groove (151) of the side insulating cover (150), and a first part (171) of the connecting board (170) on which the temperature sensor (181) is mounted may be inserted into the groove (151) of the insulating cover. The first part (171) of the connecting board (170) on which the temperature sensor (181) is mounted may be attached to the first battery cell (111P).

[0074] The pad (183) can be inserted into the groove (151) of the side insulating cover (150). The pad (183) can be positioned between the first part (171) of the connecting substrate (170) and the side insulating cover (150), and can support the first part (171) of the connecting substrate (170) so that the temperature sensor (181) and the first part (171) of the connecting substrate (170) are in close contact with the first battery cell (111P). The pad (183) may have elasticity. For example, the pad (183) may include silicone, polyurethane, rubber, or an elastomer. The temperature sensor (181) and the first part (171) of the connecting substrate (170) may be in close contact with the first battery cell (111P) by the restoring force provided by the pad (183).

[0075] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a connecting substrate (170) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 10, the connection substrate (170) may include a flexible substrate having flexibility, for example, a flexible printed circuit board. The connection substrate (170) may include a flexible base substrate (179) having a first signal transmission line (173) and a second signal transmission line (175). The connection substrate (170) may include conductive wiring patterns disposed on the flexible base substrate (179), and the conductive wiring patterns may include the first signal transmission line (173) and the second signal transmission line (175). The flexible base substrate (179) may include a polymer material, for example, polyimide.

[0077]

[0078] (2nd Example)

[0079] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 together with FIGS. 1 to 10, the battery pack (500) may include a pack housing (501) and a plurality of cell assemblies (100) mounted within the pack housing (501).

[0081] The pack housing (501) may provide a receiving space for accommodating a plurality of cell assemblies (100). The pack housing (501) may include a base frame (510), a side frame (520), a top frame (530), a center beam (540), and a plurality of cross beams (550).

[0082] A base frame (510) can support a plurality of cell assemblies (100). The base frame (510) can provide a mounting surface extending approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and a plurality of cell assemblies (100) can be mounted on the mounting surface of the base frame (510). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cell assemblies (100) can be arranged on the mounting surface of the base frame (510) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0083] The base frame (510) may include a plurality of base cooling channels (511) configured to allow a cooling fluid supplied from the outside to flow. Each of the plurality of base cooling channels (511) may overlap in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) with at least one of the plurality of cell assemblies (100). Each of the plurality of base cooling channels (511) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) within the base frame (510) and may provide a passage for guiding the cooling fluid in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The plurality of base cooling channels (511) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). While the cooling fluid flows along the base cooling channels (511), cooling of the plurality of cell assemblies (100) mounted on the base frame (510) may be achieved. The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant. In the present disclosure, the base frame (510) may be referred to as a floor cooling structure.

[0084] The side frame (520) may be attached to the base frame (510) so as to face the sides of the plurality of cell assemblies (100). The side frame (520) may extend along the perimeter of the base frame (510). It may extend along the perimeter of the base frame (510) to surround the plurality of cell assemblies (100). When viewed in a planar view, the side frame (520) may have the shape of a square ring that extends continuously along the perimeter of the base frame (510).

[0085] A top frame (530) may be placed on a plurality of cell assemblies (100). The top frame (530) may be spaced apart from the base frame (510) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). A plurality of cell assemblies (100) may be placed between the base frame (510) and the top frame (530). The top frame (530) may be coupled to a side frame (520) to cover the plurality of cell assemblies (100). The top frame (530) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0086] The top frame (530) may include a plurality of upper cooling channels (531) configured to allow externally supplied cooling fluid to flow. Each of the plurality of upper cooling channels (531) may overlap in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) with at least one of the plurality of cell assemblies (100). Each of the plurality of upper cooling channels (531) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) within the top frame (530) and may provide a passage for guiding the cooling fluid in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The plurality of upper cooling channels (531) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). While the cooling fluid flows along the upper cooling channels (531), cooling may be performed on the plurality of cell assemblies (100) provided below the top frame (530). The cooling fluid may include cooling water and / or a refrigerant. In the present disclosure, the top frame (530) may be referred to as an upper cooling structure.

[0087] The center beam (540) can be coupled to the base frame (510) and can be extended in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) on the base frame (510). Some of the plurality of cell assemblies (100) can be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) with the center beam (540) in between.

[0088] A plurality of cross beams (550) can be coupled to a base frame (510). Each of the plurality of cross beams (550) can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) on the base frame (510). Some of the plurality of cross beams (550) can be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and a space can be formed between two cross beams (550) adjacent in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) in which a cell assembly (100) is disposed.

[0089] A pair of side beams (160) of an individual cell assembly (100) can be fastened to a pair of cross beams (550). When assembling the battery pack (500), after positioning the individual cell assembly (100) in the pack housing (501) so that a pair of side beams (160) of the individual cell assembly (100) are seated on a pair of side beams (160), the pair of side beams (160) of the individual cell assembly (100) can be fastened to a pair of side beams (160) using fastening members (561), such as bolts.

[0090] A plurality of cell assemblies (100) may each be thermally and physically bonded to a base frame (510) by a lower thermally conductive adhesive layer (571). The lower thermally conductive adhesive layer (571) may extend along the surface of the base frame (510) and may be interposed between each of the plurality of cell assemblies (100) and the base frame (510). The lower thermally conductive adhesive layer (571) may be in direct contact with a plurality of battery cells (111). For example, the lower thermally conductive adhesive layer (571) may include a thermal interface material (TIM) or a thermal resin.

[0091] A plurality of cell assemblies (100) may each be thermally and physically bonded to a top frame (530) by an upper thermally conductive adhesive layer (573). The upper thermally conductive adhesive layer (573) may be interposed between each of the plurality of heat transfer structures (120) of the plurality of cell assemblies (100) and the top frame (530). The upper thermally conductive adhesive layer (573) may extend along the upper surfaces of the plurality of heat transfer fins (121) of the heat transfer structures (120). The upper thermally conductive adhesive layer (573) is in direct contact with the heat transfer structures (120) of each cell assembly (100), but does not directly contact the plurality of battery cells (111) of each cell assembly (100). For example, the upper thermally conductive adhesive layer (573) may comprise a thermal interface material or a thermal resin.

[0092] The battery pack (500) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (500). Monitoring of the battery pack (500) may include monitoring of the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of cell assemblies (100) and monitoring of the temperature distribution of set locations within the battery pack (500).

[0093] Balancing of the battery pack (500) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple cell assemblies (100). Control of the battery pack (500) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (500) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple cell assemblies (100) can be prevented.

[0094] The battery pack (500) may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the multiple cell assemblies (100) by circulating air inside the battery pack (500). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the multiple cell assemblies (100) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage occurs, such as a voltage surge. Additional electrical components may be placed in an electrical component mounting space provided between the multiple cell assemblies (100) and the side frame (520).

[0095] The battery pack (500) may further include a plurality of busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of cell assemblies (100). A plurality of cell assemblies (100) may be connected in series by a plurality of busbars. Accordingly, the battery pack (500) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0096]

[0097] According to the battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments, dual cooling for the cell assembly (100) is realized with a bottom cooling structure and an upper cooling structure, and since the temperature at the point where the maximum temperature of the battery cell (111) appears can be sensed by a temperature sensor (181), the reliability of the temperature sensing and the reliability of the cell temperature control performed based on the temperature sensing result can be improved.

[0098] According to the battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments, in the cell assembly (100), the temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor (181) and the voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit located on the rear side of the cell assembly (100) can be transmitted to the cell monitoring circuit located on the front side of the cell assembly (100) through the same connection board (170). Compared to the case where the temperature signal of the temperature sensor (181) and the voltage signal generated by the voltage sensing circuit are transmitted through separate electrical connection members, since the temperature signal and the voltage signal are transmitted through a single connection board (170), the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly process of the battery pack (500) can be simplified.

[0099]

[0100] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. Base frame; Top frame on the base frame above; and A cell assembly provided between the base frame and the top frame in a vertical direction; Includes, The above cell assembly is, A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; A side insulating cover connected to the first side of the cell block and having a first groove formed on the inner surface facing the first battery cell, which is one of the plurality of battery cells; A temperature sensor inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover and configured to detect the temperature of the center of the first battery cell along the vertical direction; A first integrated circuit assembly connected to a second side of the cell block and comprising a first integrated circuit; and A connection board including a first signal transmission line that electrically connects the temperature sensor and the first integrated circuit; A battery pack including 2. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a pad inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover, and A battery pack characterized in that the above pad supports the first portion of the connection board so that the first portion of the connection board equipped with the temperature sensor is in close contact with the first battery cell.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above temperature sensor is connected to the end of the first battery cell to which the electrode lead is connected.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first horizontal direction, and Each of the above plurality of battery cells extends in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to a first horizontal direction, and The first battery cell is located at the outermost position in the first horizontal direction among the plurality of battery cells, and The first battery cell includes an electrode lead provided at the end according to the second horizontal direction, and A battery pack characterized in that the temperature sensor is connected to the end of the first battery cell along the second horizontal direction.

5. In Paragraph 1, A second integrated circuit assembly comprising a second integrated circuit connected to a third side of the cell block and configured to measure the voltage of the plurality of battery cells; A battery pack characterized by further including 6. In Paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized by the above-mentioned connection board further including a second signal transmission line that electrically connects the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit.

7. In Paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned connection board further comprises a flexible base board having the first signal transmission line and the second signal transmission line.

8. In Paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the first side and the third side of the cell block are opposite to each other.

9. In Paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned connecting board is attached to the above-mentioned side insulating cover.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by further including a heat transfer structure connected to the plurality of battery cells and the top frame, and configured to thermally bond the plurality of battery cells to the top frame.

11. In Paragraph 10, A lower thermally conductive adhesive layer provided between each of the plurality of battery cells and the base frame; and An upper thermally conductive adhesive layer provided between the above heat transfer structure and the above top frame; A battery pack characterized by further including 12. In Paragraph 10, The above heat transfer structure includes a plurality of heat transfer fins, and A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of heat transfer pins is connected to a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above base frame includes a base cooling channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow, and A battery pack characterized in that the top frame includes an upper cooling channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow.

14. A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; A side insulating cover connected to the first side of the cell block and having a first groove formed on the inner surface facing the first battery cell, which is one of the plurality of battery cells; A temperature sensor inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover and configured to detect the temperature of the center along the vertical direction of the first battery cell; A first integrated circuit assembly connected to a second side of the cell block and comprising a first integrated circuit; and A connection board including a first signal transmission line that electrically connects the temperature sensor and the first integrated circuit; A cell assembly including 15. In Paragraph 14, A pad inserted into the first groove of the side insulating cover and supporting the first portion of the connecting substrate so that the first portion of the connecting substrate equipped with the temperature sensor is in close contact with the first battery cell; and A second integrated circuit assembly comprising a second integrated circuit connected to a third side of the cell block opposite to the first side of the cell block and configured to measure the voltage of the plurality of battery cells; Includes more, A cell assembly characterized in that the above-mentioned connection board further includes a second signal transmission line that electrically connects the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit.

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